Political scientist and lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr Amakye-Boateng, has rated the outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo’s performance as "below zero".

He says the president has not demonstrated enough competence to gain public trust in governance and democracy. As a result, he rates his tenure as poor over the years he has served as president.

"Seriously, it’s very difficult to assess this government. Almost everything was a failure, including the Free SHS programme. They didn’t mean it, which is why the graduates didn’t vote for Dr Bawumia. How can you rate this government? It’s below zero," he said.

Dr Amakye-Boateng also criticised the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), blaming Akufo-Addo’s administration for failing to take adequate action to address it.

"Why did we allow galamsey to reach the level it has? How could we do this to ourselves? Our forefathers, many years ago, had reasons to preserve the forests, yet today, those of us who consider ourselves enlightened are doing this? And you want us to rate this government? It’s below zero," he added.

Dr Amakye-Boateng was speaking on Joy News AM Show with Sweety Aboache ahead of the president’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA), which he is expected to deliver today, Friday, January 3.

He believes that although the president has made many speeches over the years, he has failed to create the impression that he has all the answers to Ghana’s problems.

Dr Amakye-Boateng emphasised that the performance of the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is nothing to be proud of.

President Akufo-Addo served as president for eight years, from 2017 to 2024. Despite his visionary ideas to address the nation’s issues, such as tackling unemployment, reducing the high cost of living, and making education free and accessible, many Ghanaians appear dissatisfied with his leadership.

Meanwhile, the president will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Parliament House on Friday. Afterward, the current 8th Parliament is expected to be dissolved to make way for the commencement of the 9th Parliament.